If you are considering a move to the south coast, Portsmouth, Hampshire, is well worth considering. This diverse island city has an energy all of its own.
Portsmouth offers a vibrant mix of city living and seaside charm. There are great transport links to London, good schools and house prices are affordable compared with much of the south coast. Its range of properties makes it equally suitable for families, professionals and first-time buyers.
In 2026, this historic city celebrates its centenary, with a year-long program of events and exhibitions, so there has never been a better time to visit. Read on for YesCanDo Money‘s guide to what life here is really like, including property prices, lifestyle, attractions and the best areas to live.
If you’re thinking about buying a home in Portsmouth, speaking to a mortgage broker early can help you understand what’s possible. For friendly mortgage advice from someone who knows the Portsmouth area well, speak to YesCanDo Money today.
Portsmouth – a brief history
The city of Portsmouth is found on Portsea Island, a flat, low-lying island, bordered by Portsmouth Harbour to the west, Langstone Harbour to the east, and the Solent to the south. As you would expect of somewhere surrounded by water, the area has a rich maritime history. It became the base of the Royal Navy under Henry VII, who built the world’s first dry dock in 1495.
For centuries, it served as the British Empire’s strategic naval centre, launching HMS Warrior and the D-Day fleet. Portsmouth was hit heavily during the Blitz but has undergone years of regeneration and successfully reinvented itself as a thriving commercial city.
Today, 800 years of maritime heritage sit alongside iconic modern landmarks like the Spinnaker Tower, making Portsmouth a great place to live, work and visit.
What to do in Portsmouth
Portsmouth offers far more than many people expect from a coastal city. From historic sites to shopping, dining and outdoor activities, there is plenty to explore for residents and visitors alike.
Historic attractions
Portsmouth has many attractions celebrating its maritime heritage, most notably the Historic Dockyard, where you can explore legendary warships HMS Victory, HMS Warrior and the Mary Rose Museum.
Nearby, Southsea Castle, built by Henry VIII, overlooks the Solent. Inland, Portsmouth boasts two cathedrals, while Old Portsmouth is worth exploring for its quaint cobbled streets, traditional pubs and a cluster of heritage buildings.
Iconic views from the Spinnaker Tower
The Spinnaker Tower has become one of Portsmouth’s most recognisable landmarks. It stands 170 metres tall in Portsmouth Harbour, with panoramic views across the Solent, the Isle of Wight and Hampshire coastline.
The tower has three observation decks, a glass skywalk, a café and bar, and an interactive exhibition. On a clear day, you can see for miles along the south coast, making it one of the best viewpoints in southern England.
Great shopping and dining at Gunwharf Quays
Gunwharf Quays celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2026, having transformed from a former naval site into a hugely popular spot for shopping, dining and nights out.
Its restaurants, cafés and bars overlook the busy marina, while its outlet stores offer a range of designer and high street goods. It is also home to modern waterfront apartments, making it one of Portsmouth’s most desirable locations for people who want city living right by the water.
A lively food, arts and social scene
Portsmouth has a lively independent scene, centred on Albert Road in Southsea, lined with independent shops, music venues, galleries, cafés, restaurants and local pubs.
Southsea Market on Palmerston Road is well worth a visit, where local traders sell everything from baked goods to crafts, vintage clothing and fresh produce, adding to Southsea’s lively independent shopping scene.
You are spoiled for choice when dining in Portsmouth, with everything from coastal fine dining to global street food. Highlights include seafood at The Briny and pie and mash at the quirky Pie & Vinyl.
Portsmouth hosts many annual events, such as Victorious Festival, which started in 2012 and has grown into one of the UK’s biggest family-friendly music festivals. It’s held each summer on Southsea Common, attracting major headline acts.
Green spaces and outdoor activities
Despite being a compact island city, Portsmouth has lots of parks to enjoy. Southsea Common stretches along the Southsea seafront with views across the Solent. It’s a favourite spot for walking, cycling and picnics, particularly during the summer.
Victoria Park in the city centre is a beautifully kept Victorian park with fountains and play areas, while Canoe Lake in Southsea is popular with families for its famous swan pedaloes and cafés overlooking the water.
Seaside attractions
Southsea’s seaside charm is a big part of Portsmouth’s character. Southsea seafront stretches for miles, with a long promenade, pebbled beach and views across the Solent towards the Isle of Wight. Along the front, you’ll find traditional amusement arcades, cafés and ice cream kiosks, as well as the historic South Parade Pier.
What’s it like to live in Portsmouth
Portsmouth is one of the most densely populated cities in England, yet, thanks to its coastal location, there is plenty of space to breathe. There is a strong local infrastructure here, including hospitals, plenty of primary and secondary schools and major transport connections, making it a very convenient and comfortable place to live.
Great transport links
Portsmouth is compact and easy to get around, covering around 15 square miles. It has great transport links, including two major train stations with direct trains to London Waterloo, taking around an hour and a half.
There are regular ferry and hovercraft services to the Isle of Wight, and Portsmouth International Port connects the city with France and the Channel Islands.
The road network provides easy access to the A3 and M27, making it straightforward to reach Southampton, London and other parts of Hampshire. For travel further afield, Southampton Airport is around 30 minutes away by train or car.
A seaside lifestyle
If you love being by the water, then Portsmouth is ideal. For many residents, the sea is part of everyday life. There are numerous coastal walks to enjoy, open swimming, sailing, watersports and evenings spent watching the sun set across the Solent.
Families adore Southsea, with its two piers, aquarium and pebbly beach. Clarence Pier is a quintessential British seaside spot, with fun amusement arcades, fairground rides, cafés and family entertainment right beside the beach.
A city that continues to regenerate
Portsmouth is a resilient city and has been reinventing itself for decades. After WWII, much of the city was rebuilt. Over time, it has evolved from being defined almost entirely by its naval base into a thriving city. The education, tourism, retail, leisure and maritime industries all play an important role in the local economy.
2026 sees the completion of the Southsea Coastal Scheme, which has created enviable promenades for cycling and running. Looking ahead, Portsmouth is set for further investment. The continued redevelopment of the International Port and improvement to the public spaces and facilities around Commercial Road and the Guildhall area are set to breathe fresh life into the city.
Education in Portsmouth
Portsmouth has a strong range of primary and secondary schools. Portsmouth Grammar School, Admiral Lord Nelson School, and Priory School have received strong Ofsted ratings.
For further education, Highbury College offers vocational courses, apprenticeships and professional training. The University of Portsmouth is one of the city’s largest institutions, attracting students from across the UK and internationally.
Affordable living in Portsmouth
Compared with other popular spots along the south coast, Portsmouth has excellent value property. According to ONS house price data, the average house price in Portsmouth in December 2025 was around £249,000, which is considerably lower than the East Hampshire average of £440,000 and the England average of £293,000.
This makes Portsmouth particularly appealing and accessible to first-time buyers and growing families.
Best areas to live in Portsmouth
Portsmouth is divided into 14 wards, with neighbourhoods to appeal to many different lifestyles and budgets. Broadly, it can be categorised into three sections:
- South Portsmouth – Southsea, Old Portsmouth
- Central Portsmouth – Fratton, Buckland, North End
- North Portsmouth – Hilsea, Cosham, Drayton, Farlington
Southsea
Southsea is one of the most popular residential areas in the city, known for its seaside charm, independent shops and restaurants. The neighbourhood attracts families, students and young professionals looking for lively culture and coastal living, with the city centre just a half-hour walk or short drive/bus ride away.
Property here includes seafront apartments and many characterful Victorian and Edwardian terraced houses.
Old Portsmouth
For those who appreciate history and waterfront views, Old Portsmouth is a unique place to live. This historic part of the city is near the harbour entrance and is known for its cobbled streets, traditional pubs and historic buildings. The property market here features Georgian townhouses, heritage properties and modern waterfront apartments, many with harbour views.
Cosham
Located in the north of the city, Cosham is a quieter residential district with easy access to the city centre. It has its own train station, good schools and good road access to the M27, making it popular with commuters and families.
Homes here include 1930s and post-war semi-detached houses with gardens, making it popular with families.
Port Solent
Port Solent is on the north-west side of Portsmouth, just off the M27 near Cosham. Built around a large private marina, it is a mix of apartments, restaurants, cafés, shops and leisure facilities.
There are modern townhouses, waterfront apartments and marina homes, many with balconies, terraces or direct mooring access for boats. There are also larger three- and four-bedroom townhouses overlooking the marina, making the area popular with professionals, families and sailing fans.
Is Portsmouth a good place to live?
For its c.215,000 residents, Portsmouth offers an appealing mix of coastal lifestyle, modern culture and city convenience. It is a very diverse city, highly walkable with strong transport links and affordable property.
Families love it here for the good schools and green spaces, professionals for the proximity to London and Southampton, and everyone enjoys simply living close to the sea.
So if you are looking for a coastal city with a big personality, Portsmouth is definitely one to consider.
Thinking of moving to Portsmouth?
If you’re considering moving to or within Portsmouth, understanding the local property market is a great first step. Speaking to an experienced mortgage broker can help you find the right lenders, compare mortgage options and understand what you can afford before you start viewing properties.
YesCanDo Money helps buyers secure mortgages across Hampshire and the south coast, including Portsmouth. Get in touch for friendly mortgage advice today.
